Fashion Cheat Sheet

Joseph Altuzarra named U.S. Representative for International Woolmark Prize; L'Wren Scott teams with Banana Republic

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Joseph Altuzarra named U.S. Representative for International Woolmark Prize: Joseph Altuzarra was selected as the U.S. representative for the 2013/2014 International Woolmark Prize. He will receive $100,000 toward his next collection and will compete with the other finalists who hail from India, Asia, Australia, and Europe. According to WWD, Altuzarra will design a collection in merino wool for the next stage of the competition. The champion will be announced during Milan Fashion Week in February 2014. [WWD]

L'Wren Scott Teams Up With Banana Republic: High fashion meets affordability in the latest fashion collaboration between designer L'Wren Scott and Banana Republic. "It beautifully combines the ultra-feminine with wearable polish and will bring a sexy confidence to our consumers," Scott says of the collection. The line, out December 5th, will use brocade and velvet to pay homage to the holidays, and will include dresses, blouses, jackets, jeans, and accessories. [Vogue.co.uk]

Gun-Concealing Handbag Sales Increase: In 2010, Kate Woolstenhulme started “Concealed Carry Bags:” handbags specifically equipped to conceal personal guns, ranging in price from $269 to $4,200. Sales of the handbags have increased 30 percent from last year, Woolstenhulme told Fashionista. This month, she will be launching three new styles. The designer aims to stay out of the political backlash surrounding gun-related controversy: “Chanel or Fendi are never going to make a gun-safe bag because it wouldn’t be politically correct,” she said, whereas her position in the fashion world allows her to give armed women a safe and stylish place to store their devices. [Fashionista]

Joan Rivers Faces WGA Charges: The Writers Guild of America East is filing charges against Joan Rivers for allegedly violating union rules in her show Fashion Police. Writers for the show have been on strike since April 17th and, according to Variety, have filed complaints that “E! and Rivers’ Rugby Prods., which jointly employ the scribes, had not paid $1.5 million in wages and overtime.” Rivers will have a hearing before a three-person board and be able to make her case directly. [Variety]